Medical Office Assistant

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

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Gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient flow, health records, medical billing, scheduling, and to perform clinical procedures and other administrative duties in various health care environments.

Tuition: 2368*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 6 0 months

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based and Online

Campus: Downtown Downtown

Start Dates: Jan, Sep

^$48_K

B.C. median annual salary^†

Learn possible careers

^$48_K

B.C. median annual salary^†

Learn possible careers Why choose us

What you will learn

Professional communication
Health care terminology
Safety in a health care environment
Professionalism and ethics
Problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, and prioritizing
Medical information literacy and medical transcription
Quality management in a health care environment
Patient records management and medical billing
Physician assistance and clinical procedures
Chronic disease management protocols
Medical and business computer applications
Word processing and data management
Keyboarding skills

What to expect

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The program is six months of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.

Two terms of integrated training
Lectures, seminars, and demonstrations
Group work and student presentations
Case simulations, exercises, and role practice
Computer lab work
Written exams
Quizzes
Assignments
Journal writing
Three-week practicum experience

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
English language proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a C+ grade, or
- English language proficiency, or equivalent
A proctored keyboarding test with a speed of a minimum of 25 gross words per minute on a 5-minute test with a maximum of 5 errors using the touch-typing method.

Upon Acceptance:

Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program may be required to complete a CRC prior to their practicum placement. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions.

The following health precautions are highly recommended for students in this program and may be required by some practicum hosts:

A negative TB skin test, or if the skin test is positive, then proof of a negative TB chest X-ray
An immunization record showing current vaccinations for, or immunity to
- Diphtheria/Tetanus,
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella,
- Hepatitis B,
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Pertussis
- COVID-19
- Influenza, completed annually (highly recommended)

General

This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

Ability to relate with clients, colleagues, and staff in a tactful and courteous manner
Personal hygiene, grooming, and appearance acceptable to a medical environment
High standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to complete tasks and skills required for medical dictation
Attention to detail, accuracy, patience, and ability to work well under pressure
Ability to organize, problem-solve, and set priorities
Good human relation skills
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Basic computer literacy and ability to adapt to and learn new software

Courses *

Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of practicum experiences.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.

PLAR is available for the following courses:

?MEDC 1141 Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 1
MEDC 1142 Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 2
MEDC 1151 Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 1
MEDC 1236 Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 2

Methods for assessing prior learning may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations. Please contact the Department for details.

Tuition and fees will still apply to PLAR candidates. See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Plan of Study Grid
Term One		Credits
MEDC 1125	Administrative Procedures for Medical Office Assistant	3.0
MEDC 1141	Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 1	3.5
MEDC 1151	Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 1	1
MEDC 1142	Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 2	3.5
MEDC 1132	Human Relation Skills	1
MEDC 1160	Electronic Communications for Medical Office Assistants	1.5
	Credits	13.5
Term Two
MEDC 1236	Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 2	2
MEDC 1250	Medical Documentation	2
MEDC 1270	Medical Billing for Medical Office Assistant	1.5
MEDC 1259	Clinical Procedures	2
MEDC 1260	Medical Office Assistant Practicum	3
	Credits	10.5
	Total Credits	24

This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition Deposit	0 (0 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	36
Tuition Tuition	2368	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 1184 - Term 1 1184 - Term 2 0 - Term 3 0 - Term 4 0 - Term 5
Student union	128
College initiative	69
Materials	0	not including textbooks
Campus resource	95
Laundry	0
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	0
Uniform (deposit)	0
Medical and Dental	0
Temporary Medical Insurance	0
U-PASS	266
Graduation	45
Program-specific extra fees	0
Total

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Apply now

ONLINE

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
Get started

MAIL

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

† 2018 Job Bank wage data

Medical Office Assistant